5.3 Intravenous Fluid Therapy, Total Parenteral Nutrition, and Blood Products

3 min readjune 18, 2024

is a crucial aspect of patient care. It involves administering various solutions to maintain , correct electrolyte imbalances, and provide essential nutrients. Understanding the types of IV solutions and their effects is key for nurses.

Blood products and play vital roles in treating specific conditions. These therapies require careful monitoring and administration to prevent complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Nurses must be familiar with the components and indications for each type of therapy.

Intravenous Fluid Therapy

Types of intravenous solutions

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    • (, ) have electrolyte concentrations similar to extracellular fluid and are used for fluid resuscitation and maintenance
    • (, ) have lower electrolyte concentrations than extracellular fluid and are used for fluid maintenance and to treat
    • (, ) have higher electrolyte concentrations than extracellular fluid and are used to treat severe and increase intravascular volume
    • Natural colloids (, ) contain large molecules that remain in the intravascular space and are used to maintain oncotic pressure and expand plasma volume
    • Synthetic colloids (, ) contain large molecules that mimic the effects of natural colloids and are used as an alternative to natural colloids in certain situations

Crystalloids vs colloids

  • Crystalloids are small molecules that can pass through capillary membranes, distribute evenly between intravascular and interstitial spaces, are used for fluid resuscitation, maintenance, and correction of electrolyte imbalances, and may cause in large volumes
  • Colloids are large molecules that remain primarily in the intravascular space, maintain oncotic pressure (which affects ), expand plasma volume, treat , and reduce risk of edema

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

  • is maintained through careful administration of IV fluids, considering factors such as and
  • is crucial for proper cellular function and is closely monitored during IV fluid therapy
  • can be affected by IV fluid administration and must be considered when selecting appropriate solutions

Total Parenteral Nutrition and Blood Products

Components of parenteral nutrition

    • ()
    • Proteins ()
    • (soybean oil, olive oil)
    • (, , , )
    • (B-complex, C, A, D, E, K)
    • (, , , )
  • Administered via (subclavian, jugular) for long-term or high-osmolarity solutions or for short-term or low-osmolarity solutions while monitoring for complications (infection, , electrolyte imbalances, )

Role of blood products

  • treat , improve oxygen-carrying capacity, increase intravascular volume, and improve tissue perfusion
  • contains clotting factors and proteins, treats , and replaces lost plasma volume
  • treat , prevent bleeding, maintain hemostasis, and aid clot formation
  • contains high concentrations of , , and and is used to treat specific coagulation disorders (, )
  • Careful monitoring for is essential when administering blood products

Correction of fluid imbalances

  • is treated with isotonic crystalloids (0.9% sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's) to replace lost fluid and restore intravascular volume and colloids (albumin, hydroxyethyl starch) to maintain oncotic pressure and expand plasma volume
  • Hypernatremia is treated with hypotonic crystalloids (0.45% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose in water) to dilute excess sodium and restore normal serum levels and free water administration (oral intake, enteral feeding) to promote renal excretion of excess sodium
  • Hyponatremia is treated with hypertonic saline (3% sodium chloride) to rapidly increase serum sodium levels in severe cases and fluid restriction and diuretics to promote free water excretion in euvolemic or hypervolemic patients
  • is treated with supplementation added to maintenance fluids or given orally while monitoring for arrhythmias and muscle weakness
  • is treated with:
    1. with dextrose to promote intracellular shift of potassium
    2. to stabilize cardiac membrane and prevent arrhythmias
    3. () to promote renal excretion of excess potassium
    4. to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract

Key Terms to Review (99)

0.45% Sodium Chloride: 0.45% sodium chloride, also known as normal saline or physiological saline, is a sterile solution containing 0.45% sodium chloride (salt) in water. This solution is isotonic to human blood and is commonly used in various medical applications, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product administration.
0.9% Sodium Chloride: 0.9% sodium chloride, also known as normal saline or physiological saline, is a sterile isotonic solution that contains 0.9% sodium chloride (salt) in water. It is the most commonly used intravenous (IV) fluid and is widely utilized in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product administration.
10% Dextrose in Water: 10% dextrose in water is a type of intravenous (IV) fluid solution that contains 10 grams of dextrose (a form of glucose) dissolved in 100 milliliters of sterile water. This solution is commonly used in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and as a component of certain blood products.
3% Sodium Chloride: 3% sodium chloride is a hypertonic saline solution that contains a higher concentration of sodium chloride compared to normal saline. This solution is used in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and certain blood product applications.
5% Dextrose in Water: 5% dextrose in water, also known as 5% D5W, is a sterile, isotonic solution that is commonly used in intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and as a diluent for blood products. It provides a source of carbohydrates and fluid to patients who are unable to maintain adequate hydration or nutrient intake through oral means.
Acid-base Balance: Acid-base balance refers to the body's ability to maintain a delicate pH equilibrium, ensuring the proper acidity or alkalinity of bodily fluids. This balance is crucial for the proper functioning of various physiological processes and is closely tied to the regulation of electrolytes, fluid therapy, and the action of certain medications.
Agglutination: Agglutination is the clumping of particles, often used to describe the aggregation of blood cells when antibodies bind to antigens on their surfaces. This process is crucial in blood typing and cross-matching before transfusions.
Albumin: Albumin is the most abundant protein found in the blood plasma, playing a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, transporting various substances, and supporting the body's overall function. This protein is essential in the context of topics such as special considerations, fluid volume, intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and the management of shock.
Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction is an immune response to a substance (allergen) that the body mistakenly identifies as harmful. Symptoms can range from mild (rash, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).
Amino Acid Solutions: Amino acid solutions are specialized intravenous (IV) formulations that provide essential and non-essential amino acids to patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral or enteral routes. These solutions are a crucial component of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and are also used in the management of certain medical conditions that require intravenous amino acid supplementation.
Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number or quality of red blood cells, leading to a reduced ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. This can have significant implications in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, blood products, immunosuppressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, biologic response modifiers, and oxygenation and gas exchange.
Angioedema: Angioedema is a rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can be life-threatening if it affects the airway and often occurs as an adverse reaction to certain medications.
Basal insulin dosing: Basal insulin dosing involves the administration of long-acting insulin to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range during fasting periods, typically over 24 hours. It is essential for managing diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 1 diabetes.
Blood fractionation: Blood fractionation is the process of separating whole blood into its individual components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. This process allows for the targeted use of specific blood components in medical treatments.
Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is the most abundant mineral in the body and is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, regulating nerve and muscle function, and supporting cardiovascular health.
Calcium (Ca): Calcium (Ca) is a vital electrolyte important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. It plays a critical role in blood clotting and cellular processes.
Calcium gluconate: Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement and medication used to treat or prevent low blood calcium levels. It is also used in the treatment of conditions such as hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and magnesium toxicity.
Calcium Gluconate: Calcium gluconate is a water-soluble salt of calcium and gluconic acid, commonly used as a supplemental source of calcium in various medical applications. It is an important electrolyte and plays a crucial role in intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product management.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a class of macronutrients that serve as the body's primary source of energy. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms and are essential for various physiological processes, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and the regulation of blood products.
Central Line: A central line, also known as a central venous catheter, is a long, thin tube that is inserted into a large vein, typically in the neck, chest, or groin area. It provides direct access to the bloodstream and is commonly used for administering intravenous fluids, medications, total parenteral nutrition, and drawing blood samples.
Class I: Sodium channel blockers: Class I: Sodium channel blockers are a group of medications used to treat arrhythmias by inhibiting sodium influx in cardiac cells, thus stabilizing the heart's electrical activity. They are subdivided into Class IA, IB, and IC based on their specific effects on the action potential.
Class III: Potassium channel blockers: Class III: Potassium channel blockers are a group of antiarrhythmic drugs that work by prolonging the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. This helps to stabilize abnormal heart rhythms and is used in the treatment of various types of dysrhythmias.
Coagulopathies: Coagulopathies are disorders of the blood coagulation system that result in an abnormal tendency to bleed or clot. These conditions can arise from genetic factors, acquired diseases, or certain medications and treatments, and they have significant implications for intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and the use of blood products.
Colloid solutions: Colloid solutions are intravenous fluids containing large molecules that remain in the vascular space and increase osmotic pressure. They are used to treat hypovolemia and improve blood volume.
Colloids: Colloids are dispersed mixtures of two or more substances, where one substance is evenly distributed throughout another substance. They are larger than dissolved molecules but smaller than suspended particles, and they do not settle out or separate under normal conditions.
Copper: Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is involved in the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems, as well as in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of bone health.
Cryoprecipitate: Cryoprecipitate is a blood product derived from frozen plasma that contains high concentrations of certain clotting factors, such as factor VIII and von Willebrand factor. It is used to treat bleeding disorders and to replace deficient clotting factors in patients.
Cryoprecipitated anti-hemophilic factor (cryo): Cryoprecipitated anti-hemophilic factor (cryo) is a blood product derived from plasma, rich in clotting factors like fibrinogen and Factor VIII. It is used to treat patients with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other bleeding disorders.
Crystalloid solutions: Crystalloid solutions are intravenous fluids that contain water and electrolytes, mimicking the body's plasma. They are used to replace lost fluids and treat dehydration.
Crystalloids: Crystalloids are a class of intravenous (IV) fluids that are composed of small, water-soluble molecules that can easily pass through cell membranes. These solutions are commonly used in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and the management of shock conditions.
Dextran: Dextran is a complex, high-molecular-weight polysaccharide that is commonly used in various medical applications, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and as a blood product. It is derived from the bacterial fermentation of sucrose by certain strains of Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus bacteria.
Dextrose: Dextrose, also known as glucose, is a simple sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the body's cells. It is a crucial component in various medical contexts, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products.
Edema: Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. This term is particularly relevant in the context of fluid balance, cardiovascular function, kidney and hormonal regulation, and the use of various medications.
Electrolyte balance: Electrolyte balance is the regulation of electrolyte levels in the body to maintain homeostasis. It involves maintaining optimal concentrations of ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Electrolyte Balance: Electrolyte balance refers to the proper regulation and maintenance of various charged minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, within the body's fluids. This delicate balance is essential for various physiological processes, including nerve and muscle function, fluid regulation, and pH balance.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood, urine, and sweat. They are essential for maintaining fluid balance, regulating nerve and muscle function, and supporting various physiological processes in the body.
Factor VIII: Factor VIII, also known as antihemophilic factor, is a crucial blood plasma protein involved in the clotting process. It plays a vital role in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, helping to convert factor X to its active form and ultimately leading to the formation of a stable fibrin clot.
Fat emulsions: Fat emulsions are lipid-based solutions used in intravenous therapy to provide essential fatty acids and calories to patients who cannot consume food orally. They are commonly used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency and promote energy balance.
Febrile reactions: Febrile reactions are acute immune responses characterized by fever that occur after the administration of blood products. These reactions are usually caused by the recipient's antibodies reacting to donor leukocytes or other components.
Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a plasma protein that is essential for blood clotting. It is converted by thrombin into fibrin during the coagulation process.
Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma glycoprotein that is essential for blood clotting. It is produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in the coagulation cascade, ultimately leading to the formation of a stable fibrin clot to stop bleeding.
Fluid balance: Fluid balance refers to the maintenance of the proper amount and distribution of fluids in the body. It is crucial for normal physiological functions and overall homeostasis.
Fluid Balance: Fluid balance refers to the equilibrium between the amount of fluids entering and leaving the body, ensuring proper hydration and maintaining optimal physiological functions. This term is particularly relevant in the context of osmolality, intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, blood products, diuretics, laxatives, and stool softeners.
Fresh Frozen Plasma: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood product derived from the liquid portion of human blood, known as plasma, which has been frozen and stored for potential use in various medical treatments. FFP contains a wide range of essential clotting factors, proteins, and other components that are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and blood coagulation in the body.
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP): Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood product derived from the liquid portion of human blood, known as plasma, which has been frozen to preserve its clotting factors and other proteins. It is used in various medical settings, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and as a blood product for transfusion.
Furosemide: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic medication used to treat fluid overload conditions, such as edema and congestive heart failure. It works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidneys, leading to increased urine output and fluid loss.
Hemolytic reactions: Hemolytic reactions are adverse responses where the immune system attacks and destroys transfused red blood cells. These reactions can occur during or after a blood transfusion.
Hemophilia A: Hemophilia A is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the blood clotting factor VIII, which is essential for normal blood clotting. This condition leads to prolonged bleeding and an increased risk of spontaneous internal and external bleeding episodes.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious immune-mediated adverse reaction to heparin therapy characterized by a significant reduction in platelet count. This condition can lead to a paradoxical increase in the risk of thrombosis despite low platelet levels.
Hydroxyethyl Starch: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a synthetic colloid solution used as an intravenous fluid therapy, in total parenteral nutrition, and as a blood product. It is derived from natural starch and is designed to mimic the properties of natural plasma proteins, serving as a volume expander and plasma substitute.
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products are synthetic colloid solutions used in intravenous fluid therapy to expand plasma volume. They are commonly used in critical care settings for patients with hypovolemia or shock.
Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia refers to an abnormally high level of glucose in the bloodstream. It is a key feature in the pathophysiology of various medical conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, and can have significant implications for fluid and electrolyte balance, inflammatory processes, and overall health.
Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of potassium (K+) in the blood. This electrolyte imbalance can have significant impacts on the body's homeostasis and various physiological processes, including cardiac function, fluid balance, and nerve impulse transmission.
Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of sodium in the blood. It is a critical electrolyte imbalance that can have significant impacts on the body's homeostasis, osmolality, and fluid balance.
Hypertonic Solutions: Hypertonic solutions are aqueous solutions that have a higher solute concentration compared to the fluid or cells they are in contact with. This creates an osmotic gradient that causes water to move from the less concentrated (hypotonic) solution to the more concentrated (hypertonic) solution, in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations across the semipermeable membrane.
Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating fluid balance, and supporting proper nerve and muscle function throughout the body.
Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by a low concentration of sodium in the blood, which can lead to an imbalance in fluid levels within the body. This electrolyte imbalance can have significant impacts on various physiological processes and is an important consideration in homeostasis, osmolality, fluid therapy, and the actions of certain medications like diuretics.
Hypotonic Solutions: Hypotonic solutions are aqueous solutions that have a lower solute concentration compared to the fluid or environment they are interacting with. This creates an imbalance where water tends to move from the hypotonic solution into the surrounding fluid, causing cells to swell or burst in certain contexts.
Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia is a condition characterized by a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body. It can result from various factors, including excessive fluid loss or inadequate fluid intake.
Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia is a condition characterized by a decreased volume of blood or other fluid in the body. It is a critical state that can lead to various physiological imbalances and complications if not addressed promptly. This term is particularly relevant in the context of fluid volume, intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, blood products, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, diuretics, and osmotic diuretics.
Hypovolemic shock: Hypovolemic shock is a critical condition where severe blood or fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body. It can lead to organ failure and requires immediate medical intervention.
Hypovolemic Shock: Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is a severe loss of blood or fluid volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. This term is crucial in understanding concepts related to fluid volume, intravenous fluid therapy, cardiac emergencies, and shock drugs.
Insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake and utilization of glucose by cells throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, managing electrolyte balance, and supporting various physiological processes, making it an essential consideration in drug administration, documentation, and the treatment of conditions like diabetes and weight management.
Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy involves the administration of fluids directly into a vein to maintain or restore fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and overall hydration. It is commonly used in clinical settings for patients who cannot take fluids orally.
Intravenous Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy involves the administration of fluids and electrolytes directly into a patient's vein to restore fluid balance, replace lost or depleted fluids, and maintain proper hydration. It is a critical component of patient care in various medical settings, including hospital wards, intensive care units, and emergency departments.
Isotonic solutions: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as blood plasma, meaning they do not cause fluid shifts between compartments. They are commonly used to maintain or restore fluid volume without altering electrolyte balance.
Isotonic Solutions: Isotonic solutions are aqueous solutions that have the same osmotic pressure as the fluid in a cell or body fluid, allowing for the free movement of water across cell membranes without causing changes in cell volume. This concept is crucial in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and the administration of blood products.
Lactated Ringer's: Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic crystalloid intravenous (IV) fluid solution that is commonly used for fluid resuscitation, rehydration, and maintenance of electrolyte balance. It is a balanced salt solution that closely resembles the composition of extracellular fluid in the body, making it an effective replacement for lost fluids and electrolytes.
Lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They play crucial roles in the structure and function of cells, serving as important energy sources, signaling molecules, and structural components of cell membranes.
Loop diuretics: Loop diuretics are a class of medications that act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney to inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption. They are commonly used to treat conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and edema.
Loop Diuretics: Loop diuretics are a class of medications that act primarily on the loop of Henle in the kidneys, inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and potassium. This leads to increased urine output, making them an effective treatment for conditions such as edema, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
Macronutrients: Macronutrients are the primary nutrients required by the body in large amounts to provide energy, support growth and development, and maintain overall health. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are essential for various physiological functions within the body.
Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating electrolyte balance, supporting intravenous fluid therapy and total parenteral nutrition, and contributing to various vitamin, mineral, and complementary therapies. It is also involved in the regulation of calcium, vitamin D, and other hormones related to bone health.
Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral and electrolyte crucial for numerous biochemical processes in the body, including nerve function and muscle contraction. It also plays a significant role in maintaining normal heart rhythm and bone health.
Manganese: Manganese is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is involved in several key areas, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products.
Micronutrients: Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals required by the body in small amounts to support various physiological functions. They play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products, as well as in the management of vitamins, minerals, and complementary and alternative therapies.
Osmolarity: Osmolarity is a measure of the osmotic pressure of a solution, specifically the number of osmotically active particles (such as solutes) per unit of volume. It is a crucial factor in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products, as it directly affects the movement of water and solutes across cell membranes and the maintenance of fluid balance within the body.
Osmotic pressure: Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of a solvent across a semipermeable membrane separating two solutions with different concentrations. It is crucial in maintaining fluid balance within cells and tissues.
Osmotic Pressure: Osmotic pressure is the pressure that must be applied to a solution to prevent the flow of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration (higher water concentration) to a region of higher solute concentration (lower water concentration). It is a crucial concept in understanding fluid balance and transport within the body.
Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs): Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are a blood product that contains a concentrated suspension of red blood cells, which are the primary oxygen-carrying cells in the body. PRBCs are a common component used in various medical treatments, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product transfusions.
Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease (PNALD): Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease (PNALD) is a serious complication that can develop in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). It is characterized by liver dysfunction and damage caused by the components and administration of parenteral nutrition, which bypasses the normal digestive process. PNALD is an important consideration in the context of intravenous fluid therapy and blood product administration.
Peripheral Line: A peripheral line, also known as an intravenous (IV) line, is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein, typically in the arm or hand, to provide a direct route for administering fluids, medications, or other medical treatments to the body. This term is crucial in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product administration.
Platelets: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments found in the blood that are essential for blood clotting and wound healing. They play a crucial role in the body's hemostatic and thrombotic processes, making them an important consideration in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product administration.
Potassium: Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating fluid balance, and supporting various physiological processes in the body. As an electrolyte, potassium is involved in nerve and muscle function, as well as the regulation of fluid and acid-base balance.
Potassium Chloride: Potassium chloride is a salt compound composed of the elements potassium and chlorine. It is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction within the body. This key term is particularly relevant in the contexts of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products.
Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is an essential component of several enzymes and proteins, known as selenoproteins, which are involved in antioxidant defense, thyroid function, and immune system regulation.
Serum albumin: Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma, primarily produced by the liver. It plays a critical role in maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting hormones, vitamins, and drugs.
Sodium: Sodium is a vital electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating fluid balance, and supporting various physiological processes within the body. It is an essential mineral that is involved in several key topics, including homeostasis, electrolyte balance, intravenous fluid therapy, corticosteroid function, and diuretic mechanisms.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, commonly known by the brand name Kayexalate, is a cation exchange resin used to treat hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions, thereby reducing the concentration of potassium in the body.
Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. This term is particularly relevant in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, blood products, immunosuppressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, and antiplatelet medications, as these treatments and therapies can directly impact platelet levels and function.
Total Parenteral Nutrition: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of delivering essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, directly into the bloodstream when a patient is unable to receive adequate nutrition through the gastrointestinal tract. It is a crucial intervention for patients who cannot tolerate or absorb nutrients orally or enterally.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of delivering all essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is used for patients who cannot obtain adequate nutrition through oral or enteral routes.
Trace Elements: Trace elements, also known as micronutrients, are essential minerals required by the body in small amounts for various physiological functions. These elements play crucial roles in maintaining health, supporting growth and development, and ensuring proper functioning of the body's systems, particularly in the context of intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products.
Transfusion Reactions: Transfusion reactions are adverse events that can occur during or after the administration of blood or blood products to a patient. These reactions can range from mild to life-threatening, and it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand their causes, symptoms, and appropriate management to ensure patient safety.
Transfusion-associated circulatory overload: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a complication of blood transfusion characterized by acute pulmonary edema due to volume overload. It can occur when the transfused volume or rate exceeds what the recipient's cardiovascular system can manage.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential organic compounds that the body requires in small amounts for normal growth, development, and overall health. They play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including energy production, immune function, and tissue repair.
Von Willebrand disease: von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for normal blood clotting. This condition can impact various aspects of healthcare, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood product management.
Von Willebrand factor: von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in hemostasis and blood coagulation. It is involved in the initial stages of platelet adhesion and aggregation at sites of vascular injury, as well as in the stabilization of blood coagulation factor VIII.
Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions, immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. Zinc's importance spans across several topics in nursing pharmacology, including intravenous fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood products, as well as vitamins, minerals, and complementary and alternative therapies.
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